§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the extent to which British ports are at a disadvantage in relation to many European competitors, as a result of the level of subsidies received; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloThere is competition with continental ports in deep sea trade. The volume of transhipment via Belgian and Dutch ports doubled between 1976 and 1984, and in 1984 to 1986 was about 10 per cent. of United Kingdom deep sea trade, 5 per cent. of all United Kingdom international sea trade. The relative importance in transhipment of state assistance to continental ports and of other factors cannot be reliably estimated.
§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for transport what is his policy towards the financing and operation of ports in the light of the Carossino report to the European Parliament, (Document A 2-0215/8) of 17 October; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloThe report commented on many matters. I welcome its call for action to secure transparency of accounts and fair competition among ports.